How long does it take to give birth after my water breaks?

What is labor induction

In gynecology, the period in which labor can begin lasts from 38 to 42 weeks. It is at this time that a full-term baby is born. After 42 weeks, the pregnancy is already considered post-term, and doctors decide on stimulating labor in a hospital setting. But before going for this exciting procedure, many expectant mothers prefer to try home methods to speed up labor.

However, before starting stimulation (natural or artificial), you need to make sure that it is appropriate. It must be borne in mind that the estimated date of birth (EDD), which is usually calculated by the doctor at the beginning of pregnancy, is only a guideline. After all, there are, for example, women with a long menstrual cycle, and their PPD will always be later than the expected date. In addition, sometimes the late birth of a baby is due to genetic predisposition: if other women in the expectant mother’s family have always given birth after 40 weeks, there is no reason to worry.

Indications for home stimulation of labor

If post-term pregnancy is still confirmed, you need to make sure that stimulation will not harm mother and baby. The following indicators are of decisive importance:

1. A regularly performed CTG procedure indicates that the fetal heart rate is normal (no hypoxia or other abnormalities).
2. The fetus occupies the correct position in the uterus - head down.
3. The placenta has already matured.
4. There is no Rh conflict between mother and child.
5. There is no rupture of amniotic fluid without true contractions or placental abruption.

One of the indicators for stimulation is the normal fetal heartbeat, which is recorded by a regular CTG procedure.
If all of these indicators are normal, a woman, with the obligatory permission of her gynecologist, can try home (natural) methods of inducing labor. If they do not have an effect, then artificial stimulation in the hospital cannot be avoided.

Contraindications

There are a number of conditions in which inducing childbirth at home is dangerous:

1. For medical reasons, the woman needs a caesarean section.
2. Problems in the condition of the fetus (hypoxia, intrauterine growth retardation, etc.).
3. Polyhydramnios (the volume of amniotic fluid is more than 1500 ml at the end of pregnancy). In this case, it happens that after the anterior waters break, the fetus descends deeper into the maternal pelvis and blocks the umbilical cord. As a result, there is a high probability of acute hypoxia and even death of the baby.
4. There is a scar on the uterus (even if it is not from a cesarean section, but, for example, left after the removal of fibroids - a benign tumor).
5. In the past, the woman has already had problematic childbirth, for example, weak labor was observed.

One of the contraindications to home induction of labor is polyhydramnios.

Other ways to induce labor

Activity

In the case when you can’t bear to give birth, but are also afraid for the baby, you can simply do something active a little more. That is, not just lie down, but clean up, always walk long distances, do light exercises in the morning.

Sometimes in the maternity ward you can see women running up the steps or doing squats. These are precisely those pregnant women who want to give birth as soon as possible. However, you also need to be careful with this method and show a sense of proportion. Excessive physical activity can cause the placenta to pass away.

Physical activity will help stimulate labor at home.

Aroma oils

If you don’t want to move, take a warm bath with aromatic oils. Relax, turn on calm, pleasant music, light candles. Rose or jasmine oil has a positive effect on the onset of contractions.

Acupressure

And the last way to influence the biological clock is to use biologically active points. They need to be gently massaged with a little pressure. There are such areas of skin throughout the body, for example on the feet, where in addition to these points there are also nerve endings.

If you want to induce labor ahead of time, you definitely need to visit a doctor who will determine the location of the baby’s head and recommend the best way. Avoid lifting weights, taking very hot baths, and constantly having sex with your husband to speed up your baby's due date. Enjoy the last days of pregnancy and be in sweet anticipation of meeting your baby.

Advantages and disadvantages of home labor stimulation

When the question arises about the need to induce labor, many pregnant women prefer home methods rather than those offered in a hospital. This is due to the fear of overly painful contractions that are possible as a result of taking medications. Also, expectant mothers are afraid of the procedure of puncture of the amniotic sac, believing that it brings harm to the baby (it can be hurt by a sharp instrument). Women who have already experienced it in a previous pregnancy especially avoid artificial stimulation. Therefore, the second time they try to stay at home, in every possible way bringing the onset of contractions closer on their own. Thus, home stimulation is not associated with a stressful factor, because it takes place in a familiar environment for a pregnant woman and with the support of loved ones, primarily the spouse.

Artificial stimulation causes a woman to fear pain and worry about her child

Meanwhile, home methods to speed up labor are certainly inferior to stimulation in a hospital. It is effective in 100% of cases. For example, after a puncture of the amniotic sac, contractions in most pregnant women begin within the first hour. Natural measures do not always cause labor, because each maternal organism is individual.

Video: a gynecologist characterizes artificial and natural methods of induction of labor

Absence of contractions after rupture of amniotic fluid

As a rule, labor begins within 3-4 hours after the rupture of amniotic fluid. If contractions do not begin, then the question of starting labor stimulation is raised.

The time issue in this situation is widely discussed and becomes the subject of dispute among various experts. For example, in many European countries they choose the waiting method: artificial stimulation begins only one day after the rupture of the membranes. In Russia, the deadline is considered to be 12 hours of absence of labor, but at the same time, many obstetrician-gynecologists try not to wait that long due to the high risk of infection of the child and begin stimulation earlier.

Most women, of course, strive for a natural course of labor without the use of various medications, but it should be understood that in such a situation one should not argue with a specialist. Waiting can be dangerous and sometimes lead to disastrous consequences.

Home stimulation methods

Methods for inducing labor at home are quite varied. And if one method does not have a noticeable effect, a woman can always try another.

Massage

With active stimulation of the nipples, the female body produces the hormone oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. As a result, contractions may begin. This massage involves the use of a variety of techniques:

1. Stroking (the massage begins and ends with them).
2. Trituration.
3. Kneading.
4. Effleurage.
5. Vibration.

All manipulations should be delicate, pleasant for the woman, performed at a slow pace and in no case cause pain (after all, the breasts are always especially sensitive before childbirth).

Stimulation of the nipples causes the production of oxytocin in the female body.
The duration of exposure to each mammary gland is at least 15 minutes, the procedure is carried out three times a day. When using this method, contractions should occur within three days after the start of manipulation (but again, each organism is individual).

Hydromassage is also suitable for nipple stimulation: it is performed in the bathroom using a shower and alternating hot and cold water.

To speed up labor, you can also massage your feet. In this case, each finger is worked on separately first, and then the central part of the foot.

To stimulate labor, you can massage your feet

Another option is acupressure (acupuncture). A targeted effect on certain areas in the female body helps to bring birth closer. The following areas need to be addressed:

1. There is a point on the inside of the leg just above the ankle.
2. The point on the outside of the foot is behind the bone.
3. The indentation between the index finger and thumb on the hand.
4. Large muscles located between the neck and shoulder.

You need to influence these zones with one or two fingers (index and middle) - press for about a minute, then break for a few seconds. There should be several approaches in total.

The effectiveness of acupressure in general is low. For some women it has no effect at all and, in addition, can be unpleasant. If pain occurs, manipulations should be stopped.

From my experience, I would like to note that one of the indicated points is indeed somehow connected with the female genital area. Although I did not induce labor in this way, before pregnancy I had quite severe pain in the lower abdomen on the first day of my period. And on the advice of my grandmother, who was fond of alternative medicine, I gave myself an acupressure massage of the above-mentioned cavity between the index and thumb on both hands. Surprisingly, relief came quite quickly. So, it is quite possible that such manipulations can also affect the acceleration of labor.

To speed up labor, you can try acupressure

Intimacy

During sex, the female body, as well as during stimulation of the nipples, produces the hormone oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. This happens especially actively if the partner experiences an orgasm.

In addition, male sperm contains biologically active substances - prostaglandins. Getting on the cervix, they cause its softening (of course, we are talking about sex without a condom), which is necessary for labor.

Intimacy may well speed up labor if the baby is stuck in the tummy

Thus, regular sexual intercourse (at least once a day) is a very effective way to naturally stimulate labor. However, they have some contraindications:

1. Low placenta previa. With friction, the fetus will experience discomfort.
2. The partner has a sexually transmitted infection.
3. The pregnant woman's mucus plug has already come off. In this case, the baby is vulnerable to any infection that can penetrate inside.

Thermal treatments

A hot bath can relax a pregnant woman's body - this also contributes to the onset of labor. However, the water temperature should not be higher than 38°C, and the procedure itself lasts no more than 15 minutes.

A hot bath helps to relax the body, which is conducive to labor.

Staying the expectant mother in the bathroom for too long is fraught with increased blood pressure, dizziness, and general weakness. In addition, the procedure is prohibited if the woman’s mucus plug has already come off (there is a high risk of infection inside).

Warming procedures that cause increased blood circulation in the desired area can also bring a certain result. This is a pepper patch or an iodine net on the lower back (just don’t be too zealous so as not to burn the skin).

Pepper patch will increase blood circulation in the area where the uterus is located

Physical activity

Certain physical exercises can help the fetus descend correctly in the uterus for better movement through the birth canal. At the same time, it will put pressure on the cervix: this leads to its expansion and softening, which accelerates the onset of labor.

1. Slow walking. It is best to do this in the fresh air: in this case, the expectant mother’s body is additionally saturated with oxygen. Walking trains the heart muscle and keeps the muscles toned.
2. Climbing and descending stairs (can be used as a substitute for riding the elevator). When going up and down from step to step, a slight rocking of the pelvis occurs, which helps the fetus to take the desired position.
3. Swimming (especially breaststroke). A visit to the pool involves not only physical activity: just being in the aquatic environment helps to relax and relieve tension from the muscles and joints.
4. Squatting.
5. Pelvic rocking. For this purpose, for example, simple oriental dance classes are suitable.

Photo gallery: physical exercises that help speed up labor

Walking helps the fetus to descend, trains the heart and tones the muscles.

Being in an aquatic environment relaxes the body, which helps to bring birth closer

You can sway your pelvis during a fascinating oriental dance

The squatting position helps the fetus move downwards

When walking up stairs, the pelvis sways

In addition to special exercises, regular exercise and washing the floors (preferably with your hands, not a mop) will help stimulate labor.

In any case, physical activity should not be tiring, but, on the contrary, give the pregnant woman satisfaction.

Taking auxiliary medications

Some medications can speed up labor:

1. Homeopathic remedies Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum. The granules are extracts of medicinal plants: meadow lumbago and cornflower cohosh. Their effect on the body is very individual, and drugs are taken only in consultation with the attending physician. According to the instructions, Caulophyllum promotes the opening and softening of the cervix, Pulsatilla causes contraction of the uterine walls. However, there is no scientific evidence for this, and many doctors are skeptical about such remedies.
2. Rectal suppositories Buscopan, Papaverine, No-shpa. Doctors usually recommend these antispasmodics to relieve muscle tension: as a result, the cervix softens and relaxes.
3. Primrose oil is a plant-based dietary supplement. The product contains prostaglandins (like male sperm), which is what its action is based on. Take the oil orally and vaginally.
4. Laxative suppositories based on glycerin. Their purpose is to enhance intestinal perilstatics, which, in turn, tones the uterus (in addition, if a woman is prone to constipation, feces often prevent the fetus from taking a boring position). For the same purpose, you can use Microlax enemas and oral medications, for example, Liquorice in tablets (based on a plant from the legume family), which provokes intestinal cramps and diarrhea.

Photo gallery: drugs that help speed up labor

Homeopathic herbal remedies will help bring birth closer, but their effect is very individual

Primrose oil is a dietary supplement containing prostaglandins.

Antispasmodics relieve muscle tension, due to which the cervix relaxes and softens

Laxatives increase intestinal perilstatics, which tones the uterus

Food

An effective method to tone the uterus and induce contractions is to include more of certain foods in your diet:

1. Containing fiber. These are fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, nuts, seaweed. Plant dietary fiber naturally cleanses the body because it stimulates the intestinal muscles, toning the uterus.
2. Products that have a laxative effect. These are beets, prunes, legumes, fermented milk drinks, vegetable oils (in their pure form, for example, a tablespoon of olive or flaxseed oil on an empty stomach).
3. The intestines are also stimulated by spicy foods (for example, chili peppers, which can be included in various dishes). However, caution must be exercised here: spicy foods provoke heartburn (which pregnant women already suffer from) and burn the digestive tract (if a woman has inflamed hemorrhoids, the sensations will be very painful).
4. A pineapple. The pulp of this fruit contains a lot of bromelain: this substance (like prostaglandin) helps soften the uterus, preparing it for opening.

Photo gallery: foods that help speed up childbirth

In addition to fiber, pineapple contains bromelain, a substance similar in action to prostaglandins.

Spicy food stimulates the intestines, but its consumption is fraught with heartburn and irritation of the digestive tract

It is useful to eat foods with a laxative effect, for example, taking a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach.

Fiber-rich foods stimulate the intestinal muscles, toning the uterus

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine also has its own methods of inducing labor. For example, you can try these options:

1. Infusion of raspberry leaves. The drink activates uterine contractions. A tablespoon of finely chopped leaves is poured into 500 ml of boiling water and infused for 15 minutes. The drink should be consumed warm throughout the day, divided into three doses. The effectiveness of the product depends on the individual reaction of the body.
2. Castor oil with juice. When used internally, the drug has a powerful laxative effect, causing uterine contractions as a consequence. 50 g of oil should be diluted with freshly squeezed orange or apple juice and drunk at one time. You cannot exceed the dose, as this can cause severe diarrhea: for a pregnant woman, this can lead to dehydration.

A decoction of raspberry leaves helps tone the uterus

Psychological methods

Another way to stimulate labor is to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your unborn child. After all, doctors have long come to the conclusion that the fetus in the womb hears the voices of others and reacts to them in a certain way. Mom should tell the baby how she and dad are waiting for him and want to see him as soon as possible.

The mother should talk to the unborn baby, persuading him to be born as soon as possible

Video: the opinion of a perinatal psychologist on how to speed up labor

How to induce labor at home?

Many pregnant women who are past their due date are frightened by the prospect of drug stimulation; they prefer to induce natural childbirth on their own, resorting to traditional methods. There are many of them.

If the doctor confirmed the need for labor stimulation and agreed with your arguments regarding self-stimulation, then he can also recommend how to induce labor at home. Although most often gynecologists are inclined to stimulate contractions under the supervision of medical staff in a hospital.

There are several classic effective ways to activate labor. Below we will talk about the most common ones.

Moderately active sex without a condom

In late pregnancy, an active sex life with your husband can bring the birth date closer. Moreover, it is important to have sex without resorting to barrier contraception, which is especially appreciated by men. Sperm contains the hormone prostaglandin, under the influence of which the cervix softens and labor speeds up. Sexual contact leads to strong contractions of the uterus, after which labor may begin.

However, this method requires caution, since active frictions can lead to placental abruption, especially if it is low-lying or previa. This will require urgent surgery to avoid fetal death.

You should refuse sexual intercourse if you are not sure about the health of your partner or after the plug comes out, when microbes can freely penetrate to the child and provoke inflammation.

Delicate nipple massage

To induce labor, nipples must be stimulated gently, without damaging the skin. When excited, a woman’s body begins to produce oxytocin, a powerful natural stimulant of labor.

Physical activity

Physical activity helps to achieve contraction of the uterus. You can induce labor yourself by walking up/down the stairs, moving more, and squatting many times. Physical actions should be intense, but without fanaticism. It is best to do some general cleaning at home: wash the window, vacuum the carpets, wash the curtains.

Lifting heavy objects is strictly prohibited. This can provoke placental abruption, then both you and your baby will have to be saved.

Bowel stimulation

The impact on intestinal motility will cause contractions of the uterus, and therefore labor. You can stimulate the digestive tract by doing an enema or doing something more delicate - drinking a laxative, for example, 1 tbsp. l. castor oil. With this you will kill two birds with one stone: you will stimulate contractions and empty your intestines, which is also very important before the upcoming birth.

Castor oil is a powerful laxative, so you need to choose the right dose. Most often, the cleansing of the intestines after consuming it will be intense, as will the stimulation of the uterus. After this, it is possible that childbirth may occur in the near future.

Eating coarse fiber

A one-time, but aggressive cleansing of the intestines using an enema can be replaced by including foods rich in fiber in your diet. These are beets, cabbage, apples, etc. You need to focus on them closer to the expected date of birth.

Coarse fibers stimulate intestinal motility. When excreting feces, pressure occurs on the lower abdomen and, accordingly, on the uterus. Raspberry leaves, fresh parsley, beetroot or currant juice are considered herbal activators of uterine contractions.

Thermal treatments

A warm bath or shower can speed up labor. By adding aromatic oils of jasmine and rose to the water, you will enhance the effect, because it has been proven that these smells can activate labor.

Acupuncture

With the help of this direction of Chinese medicine, you can indirectly influence any organ in the human body. To do this, it is enough to know which point on the body corresponds to the desired organ and be able to influence it correctly. This is a very precise and complex science, which should only be performed by a qualified acupuncturist. By acting on the point responsible for the uterus, it can cause contractions.

Foot massage

You can ask your husband to massage your feet. There are many active points on them, the kneading of which will stimulate the body, including contractions. This is also one of the methods to speed up labor.

Prohibited methods of home stimulation

Sometimes, wanting to speed up the birth, pregnant women, on the advice of friends or grandmothers, use completely unacceptable and dangerous means:

1. Drinking drinks containing alcohol. Some believe that a small dose of alcohol will have a relaxing effect on the expectant mother’s body and induce labor. However, this cannot be done, because the toxic effect of alcohol on the fetus, even at the final stage of its development in the womb, has not been canceled. In combination with certain substances, ethyl alcohol can cause poisoning in a woman.
2. Lifting heavy objects is strictly prohibited - this provokes placental abruption. For example, you should not carry an older child in your arms, even if he is still small: after all, he may accidentally kick his mother in the stomach or put pressure on him.
3. You should never try to induce labor yourself with any medications that are used in hospitals: injections, IVs, tablets, etc. After all, an incorrectly calculated dose can lead to tragedy - the death of the child.

Alcohol, of course, relaxes the body, but has a detrimental effect on the fetus

Possible complications with home stimulation

When inducing labor with various home remedies, a pregnant woman should exercise caution. After all, some methods can cause contractions (by toning the uterus), but the cervix may not yet be ready for the birth of a baby. Namely, it depends on her condition how smooth the birth will be and whether complications will arise.

Early rupture of water, which can potentially occur during home stimulation, is also dangerous. After all, the uterus may not be ready for childbirth yet.

In addition, a woman should be prepared for the fact that a certain method can have a very strong effect and cause rapid labor (after all, every body is individual). Therefore, she needs to be prepared to quickly go to the hospital if necessary.